Clubs, great value

[rupert123]

Meeting up with some old mates down in Cornwall next month before going off the France, we are meeting at the Caravan and Camping Club site at Sennen. £36.03 for the three nights with electric hookup, I have paid more than this on aires, tremendous value. For good quality sites at very good prices it is certainly hard to beat the two main clubs in the UK out of high season. Better run and better quality than 90% of euro sites.

[sambukashot]

Oh good Lord here we go again!

Enjoy your stay...

[BGD]

rupert123 - 2013-05-20 1:27 PM

 

Meeting up with some old mates down in Cornwall next month before going off the France, we are meeting at the Caravan and Camping Club site at Sennen. £36.03 for the three nights with electric hookup, I have paid more than this on aires, tremendous value. For good quality sites at very good prices it is certainly hard to beat the two main clubs in the UK out of high season. Better run and better quality than 90% of euro sites.

 

 

 

And your annual membership fee is?

 

You've been to ALL "euro sites" (not forgetting that the UK is in Europe of course) and so have personal experience of every one, so your "better run and better quality than 90%" of all of them claim is valid? If not, it patently isn't.

You're extrapolating ONE booking at one club site as being representative of ALL bookings at ALL such club sites....which is nonsensical.

 

[t5topcat]

sambukashot - 2013-05-20 12:45 PM

Oh good Lord here we go again!

Enjoy your stay...

Yep :D

[BGD]

One example of REAL value.

 

ACSI scheme: thousands of camping sites across Europe, with MAXIMUM off-peak-season charge of 16 euros ( £13), with others charging 14 euros (£11.50), or 12 euros ( £10); for a motorhome plus two people, including EHU. That's the MAXIMUM. It is often possible to haggle them down a little more for more than one nights stay if you want to.

 

Very many of them including things within that charge like swimming pools, gyms, cheap bars and restaurants, wifi, shower blocks without limit on hot water, daily fresh bread deliveries, etc etc.

 

No bossy little-Hitler wardens, just generally welcoming receptions with staff keen to help, and fluent in several languages, and open until late in the evening.

 

A derth of lists-biblically-long of petty rules and regulations.

 

Usually very big pitches, often secluded with greenery. and ability to park on hard-standing or to choose grass without then having to be towed out by a tractor.

 

Oh, and......................Sunshine, and warmth as a free bonus.

 

 

Some people actually think that the "Club" sites in the UK are good, and represent great value for money.

That is their opinion, and they are free to believe so.

Having spent many years now touring very extensively over the vast majority of mainland countries, I could not disagree more strongly. Those people are, in my opinion, deluded.

 

 

[sambukashot]

Rupert: Better run and better quality than 90% of euro sites

I hardly think so!

[sshortcircuit]

I do not agree with the OP or do I agree with your last posting BGD. I am not delude but have gone on some club sites that are excellent value particularly off season and for pensioners. I have looked at private sites for the same period who want double and more than I can pay on the CCC sites. I have also spent time on campsites in France , only a few, and they were no better or worse than the UK.

 

It is everbody to their own choice however some statements are just totally nonsense in both respects

[lennyhb]

Of course it's good value for Henry I expect he stays for free in exchange for the advertising . :D

[rupert123]

BGD - 2013-05-20 12:47 PM

 

rupert123 - 2013-05-20 1:27 PM

 

Meeting up with some old mates down in Cornwall next month before going off the France, we are meeting at the Caravan and Camping Club site at Sennen. £36.03 for the three nights with electric hookup, I have paid more than this on aires, tremendous value. For good quality sites at very good prices it is certainly hard to beat the two main clubs in the UK out of high season. Better run and better quality than 90% of euro sites.

 

 

 

And your annual membership fee is?

 

You've been to ALL "euro sites" (not forgetting that the UK is in Europe of course) and so have personal experience of every one, so your "better run and better quality than 90%" of all of them claim is valid? If not, it patently isn't.

You're extrapolating ONE booking at one club site as being representative of ALL bookings at ALL such club sites....which is nonsensical.

 

Now, now Bruce, watch that blood pressure. Should have said 90% of those i have been to, which is a lot as i use sites around 80% of the time. As some sort of busker working in the wilds of Spain how much do you use UK club sites, I suspect none at all so you are hardly in a position to comment.

[Tracker]

BGD - 2013-05-20 12:47 PM

 

And your annual membership fee is?

 

 

£41.00. !

[BGD]

Tracker - 2013-05-20 3:22 PM

 

BGD - 2013-05-20 12:47 PM

 

And your annual membership fee is?

 

 

£41.00. !

 

 

 

 

Strewth!

 

Is it really that much now?

 

Q. E. D.

 

[malc d]

Sadly, to join the continental site 'club' we have to pay an annual fee to cross the channel.

 

 

:-D

[BGD]

malc d - 2013-05-20 3:53 PM

 

Sadly, to join the continental site 'club' we have to pay an annual fee to cross the channel.

 

 

:-D

 

But that's a travel cost Malc.

Just like fuel.

 

It's got nothing to do with being asked to pay a high annual membership fee, then followed by very high nightly charges, for relatively low levels of facilities, service and civility. And mud and rain and cold.

[lennyhb]

BGD - 2013-05-20 2:34 PM

 

Tracker - 2013-05-20 3:22 PM

 

BGD - 2013-05-20 12:47 PM

 

And your annual membership fee is?

 

 

£41.00. !

 

 

Strewth!

 

Is it really that much now?

 

Q. E. D.

 

Take another deep breath £84 if a member of both.

[rudders]

BGD - 2013-05-20 1:03 PM

 

One example of REAL value.

 

ACSI scheme: thousands of camping sites across Europe, with MAXIMUM off-peak-season charge of 16 euros ( £13), with others charging 14 euros (£11.50), or 12 euros ( £10); for a motorhome plus two people, including EHU. That's the MAXIMUM. It is often possible to haggle them down a little more for more than one nights stay if you want to.

 

Very many of them including things within that charge like swimming pools, gyms, cheap bars and restaurants, wifi, shower blocks without limit on hot water, daily fresh bread deliveries, etc etc.

 

No bossy little-Hitler wardens, just generally welcoming receptions with staff keen to help, and fluent in several languages, and open until late in the evening.

 

A derth of lists-biblically-long of petty rules and regulations.

 

Usually very big pitches, often secluded with greenery. and ability to park on hard-standing or to choose grass without then having to be towed out by a tractor.

 

Oh, and......................Sunshine, and warmth as a free bonus.

 

 

Some people actually think that the "Club" sites in the UK are good, and represent great value for money.

That is their opinion, and they are free to believe so.

Having spent many years now touring very extensively over the vast majority of mainland countries, I could not disagree more strongly. Those people are, in my opinion, deluded.

 

I am a member of the CC but absolutely hate the large sites, and generally use the membership for CL sites only which suits our needs, however BGD the acsi sites sound value for money, but the uk is an island, so add on the sometimes extortionate FERRY OR TUNNEL costs and all of a sudden these sites are not so cheap unless of course you already reside on mainland Europe, regards.

[BGD]

rudders - 2013-05-20 5:24 PM

 

BGD - 2013-05-20 1:03 PM

 

One example of REAL value.

 

ACSI scheme: thousands of camping sites across Europe, with MAXIMUM off-peak-season charge of 16 euros ( £13), with others charging 14 euros (£11.50), or 12 euros ( £10); for a motorhome plus two people, including EHU. That's the MAXIMUM. It is often possible to haggle them down a little more for more than one nights stay if you want to.

 

Very many of them including things within that charge like swimming pools, gyms, cheap bars and restaurants, wifi, shower blocks without limit on hot water, daily fresh bread deliveries, etc etc.

 

No bossy little-Hitler wardens, just generally welcoming receptions with staff keen to help, and fluent in several languages, and open until late in the evening.

 

A derth of lists-biblically-long of petty rules and regulations.

 

Usually very big pitches, often secluded with greenery. and ability to park on hard-standing or to choose grass without then having to be towed out by a tractor.

 

Oh, and......................Sunshine, and warmth as a free bonus.

 

 

Some people actually think that the "Club" sites in the UK are good, and represent great value for money.

That is their opinion, and they are free to believe so.

Having spent many years now touring very extensively over the vast majority of mainland countries, I could not disagree more strongly. Those people are, in my opinion, deluded.

 

I am a member of the CC but absolutely hate the large sites, and generally use the membership for CL sites only which suits our needs, however BGD the acsi sites sound value for money, but the uk is an island, so add on the sometimes extortionate FERRY OR TUNNEL costs and all of a sudden these sites are not so cheap unless of course you already reside on mainland Europe, regards.

 

 

Sorry - maybe you missed my post a little above yours, where I'd already pointed out this is a red herring to the issue in discussion.

 

 

 

My point in that post was that channel or ferry costs are nothing to do with site staying costs whatsoever.

 

If I choose to drive from my home here in Spain to (say) northern Germany or Italy or the Netheralnds et al, my total fuel/tolls costs will probably be greater than someone coming from the South of England to France, even includiing ferry/chunnel costs. Mainland Europe is simply a bigger island.

 

That's got nothing to do with whether campsites in the two big "pay-a-lot-to-join-each-year-and-the-also-pay-a-lot-for-each-night-of-use" UK "Clubs" offer good or damn terrible services and value for money compared to campsites elsewhere in mainland Europe.

[Guest JudgeMental]

Sounds brill! They have a fish and chip van visit ONCE every week!!!!! top that Euroland! That H really knows how to live!:D

 

We have booked a decent enough reviewed site without all the pomp and circumstance..... in Padstow for next week. £21 a night

[Tracker]

BGD - 2013-05-20 4:41 PM

 

My point in that post was that channel or ferry costs are nothing to do with site staying costs whatsoever.

 

 

Sorry Bruce but the cost of channel hopping is very relevant to holiday costs.

 

Everything you have to pay to take the holiday is relevant and has to be included!

 

For those who holiday UK they have the club fees and for those who holiday abroad they have the cross channel fees - and both are factors in one's choice of destinations.

 

It gets worse too! Club fees are a one off - ferry charges are per trip!

 

The only thing that is free is the extra sunshine of heading South - and even that ain't really free because it costs diesel!

 

You pays yer money and takes yer pick!

[rupert123]

BGD - 2013-05-20 3:11 PM

 

malc d - 2013-05-20 3:53 PM

 

Sadly, to join the continental site 'club' we have to pay an annual fee to cross the channel.

 

 

:-D

 

But that's a travel cost Malc.

Just like fuel.

 

It's got nothing to do with being asked to pay a high annual membership fee, then followed by very high nightly charges, for relatively low levels of facilities, service and civility. And mud and rain and cold.

Hang on Bruce, high charges at £12 a night, wash rooms and toilets always first class and personally never had a problem with the service. Do not get me wrong, like others do prefer some places in europe but unlike some do not dismiss the UK, it is a fantastic place to tour in. OK you have to do things in a differant manner to say France, but so what, maybe you like others are not flexible enough to alter your ways a bit. Now Eddies £21 a night in Padstow I reckon is expensive, have never paid that much on any club site for the two of us out of high season.

[rupert123]

JudgeMental - 2013-05-20 5:33 PM

 

Sounds brill! They have a fish and chip van visit ONCE every week!!!!! top that Euroland! That H really knows how to live!:D

 

We have booked a decent enough reviewed site without all the pomp and circumstance..... in Padstow for next week. £21 a night

£21 a night, do you get free Rick Stein chips for that? :'(

[Guest JudgeMental]

rupert123 - 2013-05-20 6:05 PM

 

JudgeMental - 2013-05-20 5:33 PM

 

Sounds brill! They have a fish and chip van visit ONCE every week!!!!! top that Euroland! That H really knows how to live!:D

 

We have booked a decent enough reviewed site without all the pomp and circumstance..... in Padstow for next week. £21 a night

£21 a night, do you get free Rick Stein chips for that? :'(

 

No, but I dont care..at least site will be full of normal folk! :-D

[graham]

We have stayed on the Sennen site. Very nice would definitely stay again if going that way.

[malc d]

rupert123 - 2013-05-20 6:04 PM

 

BGD - 2013-05-20 3:11 PM

 

malc d - 2013-05-20 3:53 PM

 

Sadly, to join the continental site 'club' we have to pay an annual fee to cross the channel.

 

 

:-D

 

But that's a travel cost Malc.

Just like fuel.

 

It's got nothing to do with being asked to pay a high annual membership fee, then followed by very high nightly charges, for relatively low levels of facilities, service and civility. And mud and rain and cold.

Hang on Bruce, high charges at £12 a night, wash rooms and toilets always first class and personally never had a problem with the service. Do not get me wrong, like others do prefer some places in europe but unlike some do not dismiss the UK, it is a fantastic place to tour in. OK you have to do things in a differant manner to say France, but so what, maybe you like others are not flexible enough to alter your ways a bit. Now Eddies £21 a night in Padstow I reckon is expensive, have never paid that much on any club site for the two of us out of high season.

 

 

I'd agree with that rupert. Don't know which U.K. club sites BGD has been using, but I've not come across

" relatively low levels of facilities, service and civility " on either CC or C&CC sites.

 

I prefer to tour on the continent because I find the whole atmosphere over there is more laid back and welcoming for tourers, and certainly, out of season, it's less expensive.

I only find the C&CC have reasonable prices out of season in the UK because they regard anyone over fifty as ' old ' and give them concessionary prices.

 

;-)

[Bulletguy]

rupert123 - 2013-05-20 12:27 PM

 

Meeting up with some old mates down in Cornwall next month before going off the France, we are meeting at the Caravan and Camping Club site at Sennen. £36.03 for the three nights with electric hookup, I have paid more than this on aires, tremendous value. For good quality sites at very good prices it is certainly hard to beat the two main clubs in the UK out of high season.

 

Better run and better quality than 90% of euro sites.

 

At £12 a night you've obviously not experienced many sites in Europe then.

 

Last year in Poland, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria I was paying half that amount.......and with EHU. Exactly what you term 'quality' i'm not sure, but an on site Restaurant or Snack bar serving decent food at good prices, wi-fi, clean shower/toilet blocks, waste water dump, fresh water fill up with easy access.....all those are important to me.

 

You need to venture out a bit more.

 

[colin]

As a member of the C&CC and a some times visitor to CC sites I've been trying to think of an analogy to the clubs and I think I've cracked it.

CC is the McDonalds of the camping world, C&CC is the Burger King.

In the same way that these are nationwide and can give you a meal that will keep you alive, they just don't appeal to me, the same with the club sites, they provide perfectly adequate camping facilities, but there is no appeal to me in pitching up in the serried ranks.

It reminds me of a Bill Bryson book I was reading, his offspring prefer McDonalds where across the nation you get the same item, he prefers going to independant diners, sometimes you get a real gem, sometimes a right dive, all part of the fun.